A $125–500 policy can cover $10,000–50,000 in losses. Here''s the honest breakdown of what the three major Texas-available insurers actually do.
The three major carriers
- Travelers Wedding Protector — comprehensive, popular, $155–500.
- Markel Event Insurance — modular, $125–400.
- WedSafe (Aon Affinity) — wedding-specific, $160–500.
What''s covered (typical, check policy)
- Vendor no-show / bankruptcy: up to $7,500–$25,000 depending on policy.
- Venue damage or closure: up to $5,000–$25,000.
- Weather cancellation: if force majeure makes the event impossible.
- Illness forcing postponement: including the couple''s or immediate family.
- Photos / video lost or corrupted: cost of reshoot or equivalent.
- Lost deposits from unforeseen vendor failure.
- Military deployment postponement.
- Wardrobe damage: dress ruined en route, tuxedo stolen, etc.
What''s NOT covered
- Change of heart. Cold feet are not an insurable risk.
- Day-of weather: rain at an outdoor ceremony you could have tented. Usually not covered unless it rises to "force majeure" level (hurricane, evacuation, etc.).
- Pre-existing vendor problems: if you knew the vendor was struggling before you bought the policy, the loss may not be covered.
- Events held in your own home (often a separate rider needed).
- Venue alcohol liability (a separate liquor-liability rider).
- Honeymoon (separate travel insurance).
The liability angle
Most venues in the Houston area now require a liability policy as a condition of the contract. Usually $1M general liability, plus host liquor liability if you''re serving alcohol. All three major carriers include this as an option.
When the policy pays off
- Vendor goes out of business mid-contract: ~$3,500 average payout.
- Venue closure: $5,000–15,000 average.
- Illness postponement: varies, often full venue non-refundable amount.
- Weather: less frequent, but $1,000–5,000 in vendor rebooking fees has been paid.
When it''s probably not worth it
- Backyard wedding under $10,000 total budget.
- All vendors are large, well-established, and offer refunds in their contracts.
- You''re within 30 days of the event and policies often have waiting periods.
When it''s a no-brainer
- Venue deposit exceeds $5,000.
- Venue contract requires it (most Houston venues now do).
- You''re booking 12+ months out and vendors are smaller operators.
- Wedding budget exceeds $30,000 total.
How to buy smart
- Buy early. Most policies can be bought 12+ months before the event. Some have minimum purchase-to-event windows.
- Read the named perils list. Policies vary substantially.
- Confirm vendor insolvency coverage specifically. It''s an add-on or rider on some policies.
- Document your vendor list on the policy. Some carriers require it at purchase.
- Keep receipts for everything. Claims are paid on documentation.
Sources: Travelers Wedding Protector, Markel Event Insurance, WedSafe by Aon, Texas Department of Insurance.